STAFF at Huddersfield University have been telling would-be students they might be offered last-minute cash deals during the final rush for places this year, it is claimed.

A report in the Times Higher Education Supplement said it was the first evidence of incentives to fill degree courses in the first year of top-up fees.

It would confirm the worst fears of university entrance monitors, who have urged universities to resist such deals, the paper said.

The monitors' chief, Martin Harris, said it would be unfair if students who failed to meet predicted A-level grades or applied late to university found themselves better off than better-qualified students who secured their first choice places.

Yet staff at Huddersfield have suggested to students that discounts for `clearing' places were under consideration, it is claimed.

Staff at City, Hertfordshire, Hull and Liverpool John Moores and the West of England universities are also reported to have made similar suggestions.

At one university an admissions officer said is was a possibility that late special offers would be available `to sweeten the pill' for students.

At another, a member of staff said there was some money left for cash aid, but the scheme would probably be based on academic merit.